Did You Know?
How did soldiers of the Praetorian Guard dress?
THE Praetorian Guard was an elite group of soldiers that became the imperial bodyguard under Caesar Augustus in 27 B.C.E. This force provided security for the emperor and his family.
A member of the Praetorian Guard dressed in a tunic
When in Rome, the Praetorian Guard usually dressed in civilian clothing. Such garb often included tunics and cloaks, which were common and allowed for freedom of movement. When guarding the emperor inside Rome’s city limits, members of the guard may have worn togas, which were standard formal wear.
Members of the Praetorian Guard could be recognized by their weapons. According to Brill’s New Pauly: Encyclopaedia of the Ancient World: “While serving in Rome, these troops wore civilian dress with side arms and shields.” These side arms likely included a sword and a knife. Each hung from its own belt—one on the right side and the other on the left side.
On formal occasions, such as when protecting a dignitary, members of the Praetorian Guard may have dressed in togas
It is likely that members of the Praetorian Guard were assigned to guard the apostle Paul while he spent two years awaiting trial in Rome. During that time, Paul was under house arrest. He rented his own home and was able to receive visitors there. Paul preached to his visitors, using the Scriptures to explain that Jesus was the Messiah and that God’s Kingdom was mankind’s hope.—Acts 28:16, 23, 30, 31.
Paul said: “My prison bonds for the sake of Christ have become public knowledge among all the Praetorian Guard.” (Phil. 1:12, 13) That statement is remarkable because the Praetorian Guard was made up of thousands of soldiers. Jehovah opened the way for the apostle to give a witness while in custody, and he used this opportunity to advance the good news.